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Contact us if you have questions or need help finding the right Danish course. You can reach us by phone or apply in person at Valdemarsgade 16 or Flæsketorvet 60, Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 2pm and Friday 8.30am to 12pm.

Danish fastelavn traditions for newbies

Fastelavn will be celebrated all across Denmark this Sunday. Kids will dress up in costumes, eat buns and hit barrels. Here's our newbie guide to the Danish tradition of Fastelavn.

Fastelavn - Danish traditions for newbies

Danish Fastelavn is somewhat a hybrid of Halloween and Carnival. Back in the old days, this Danish feast was for grown-ups with alcohol, barrel hitting and cat killing. Today, the cat is cardboard and the tradition is mostly for children.

Camilla Svane

Copenhagen Language Center

Danish Fastelavn In 50 words or less

Danish Fastelavn is somewhat a hybrid of Halloween and Carnival. Back in the old days, this Danish feast included lots of alcohol, barrel hitting and cat killing. Today, the cat is cardboard and the tradition is mostly for children. Don't let this stop you from enjoying Danish Fastelavn though.

The dull facts of Fastelavn

The Danish Fastelavn tradition [Shrovetide] takes place in February in the week up to the Catholic Season of Lent (49 days prior to Easter Sunday).

Inspiration for your Danish bucket list

Join the Danes when they hit the cat of the barrel. This activity normally takes place at schools, sport clubs or churches. Check your local newspaper to find a place near you. Who knows ... Maybe you’ll become king or queen of cats.

Make your own fastelavnsris [Shrovetide birch rod]. You can buy the twigs in the shops and decorate the birch rod with your favourite colors. They look gorgeous in a vase at home.

Make sure to try a Danish 'fastelavnsbolle'. They are delicious. Be careful though. Calorie-wise, they are definitely trouble.

What about you?

Leave a comment and tell us of your best experience with Danish fastelavn.